Florida lawmakers will be polled on a special session request

Democrats announced today that enough lawmakers have filed official certifications that it will result in a poll of House and Senate members on whether to have a special session on the “stand your ground” self-defense law.

House Democratic leader Perry Thurston of Fort Lauderdale said certifications have been filed from at least 20 percent of the 160 House and Senate members, triggering a process where the Department of State will poll lawmakers about a special session. It will take a three-fifths affirmative response from the Republican-majority Legislature to result in a special session _ which is not likely given the partisan makeup of the lawmakers.

In a statement, Thurston urged lawmakers to back the session, which Thurston and other lawmakers have called for following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Central Florida.

“I commend those members who have joined me in my request for a special session,” Thurston said. “While the House speaker has indicated that the Legislature may hold a hearing later this year on certain policies, including stand your ground, I strongly believe that a special session is the best way to justly address the concerns of our constituents.

“As the secretary of state begins the polling of the Legislature, I urge my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to answer in the affirmative to the request.”

Lloyd Dunkelberger

Lloyd Dunkelberger is the Htpolitics.com Capital Bureau Chief.
He can be reached by email or call 850 556-3542.
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Last modified: August 12, 2013
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